Veterans, would you shop at the online exchanges?

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:33:32 -0400

I ask this question because of the up and coming ability to do so possibly on Veterans day 2017. Is there a demand for this?
http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/the-pentagon-is-closer-to-extending-a-generous-new-benefit-to-millions-of-veterans

The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefi | MilitaryTimes

The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefit to millions of veterans

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 23 at 2016 11:38 AM

SGT David T. — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:38:50 -0400

I have always been in favor of this. Since much of their "profits" go to MWR things, I would shop a bit there.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 23 at 2016 1:38 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 13:38:45 -0400

I hadn't heard this, but I probably would take advantage of it depending on the shipping options. My biggest issue with the Exchange is the constant drawdown in the items that are offered. For instance, when I first checked in, they had 2 full shelves of video games available. Now everything is condensed to half a shelf. Same thing with the movies. Went from 6 full shelves down to 2.

So if they decide to have more inventory items, then I might be inclined to spend more money at the Exchange, but lately they've been giving me more and more excuses to shop elsewhere.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 23 at 2016 1:51 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 13:51:03 -0400

Only after first checking Amazon, they have a better product selection and are cheaper. And the customer service leaves the AAFES and Navy Exchanges in the dust. That is assuming you can get a response from the military on-line exchanges. And Kroger has better prices than the Commissary.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 2:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:39:51 -0400

I will say this. I am going to be VERY leery the next time I order from an online exchange. Back in March, I had ordered the new Medical Regimental Crest from AAFES online. The website constantly stated the items were in stock and ready to ship. Finally, after almost 2 months and 3 calls to customer service stating this is unacceptable and that I would pay a personal visit and state my irritation directly to the AAFES CEO, I finally got them in the mail.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 1:59 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 13:59:40 -0400

I would, if I didn't think I was going to occasionally get screwed over. I'm cautious on the exchange at the moment. I needed a unit patch for my OCP's, ordering it on the online exchange was $26, ordering the same patch on amazon was $7.

Response by CPL Roy Tanner made Jan 25 at 2017 2:03 AM

CPL Roy Tanner — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 02:03:06 -0500

Yes I would

Response by SSgt Troy Allen made Mar 23 at 2017 3:48 PM

SSgt Troy Allen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:48:32 -0400

Yes, I would. Also, it's happening. See:

https://www.shopmyexchange.com/veterans

{category} : Shop Top Brands For {category} | Shop The Exchange

Save on name brand {CATEGORY} and tax free at The Exchange. FREE shipping available on {CATEGORY}!